The news this week that Sears would close its Chico Mall store in September was shocking to many Chico residents, particularly longtime residents prone to nostalgia.

For most people, it becomes less shocking when you ask yourself a simple question: When is the last time I was in Sears?

The corporation, a former nationwide retail giant, is getting smaller and smaller, closing locations that aren’t as profitable. Sears announced it was closing 16 stores nationwide in this round.

What does it say about the future of retail when a former powerhouse like Sears is in trouble? And what does that say about the future of Chico Mall, which loses one of its anchor tenants?

All it says is that change is inevitable in retail.

Sears has been an incredible survivor in the world of retail, which has seen constant disruption from new concepts, whether that’s Walmart or the internet. Some of the old guard survive, like Sears, JC Penney and Kmart.

As for the future of the mall, well, think back to North Valley Plaza. JC Penney abandoned it for the new mall. That space became Mervyns until it went bankrupt. Now it’s a Sportsman’s Warehouse and a Goodwill. The Montgomery Ward end of the mall slowly — very slowly — became a thriving restaurant complex. A Trader Joe’s moved in, along with a cineplex. It was difficult, but North Valley Plaza reinvented itself. The “old mall” is healthier than anybody would have guessed 25 years ago.

Those who worry about what Chico Mall will do without an anchor tenant probably shouldn’t. Turnover in retail is almost as prevalent as turnover in restaurants. Something will move in.

Consider the past. The mall opened almost 30 years ago. About 60 percent of the mall’s stores were leased out. The rest were vacant. The anchor tenants were Troutman’s, Gottschalks, Longs and Copeland’s Sports. Not one of those is still there.

Among the list of 68 tenants on opening day were Track & Trail, Landlocked Surf Co., Radio Shack, Kay Bee Toys, Wedding Connection, Hot Dog On A Stick and Almond Plaza.

Of those 68 stores, the only ones that still exist in the mall are Foot Locker, Claires and Payless Shoe Source (all in their original locations), along with Master Cuts and Fred Meyer Jewelers. That’s it.

Malls, for all their promise of easy and free parking along with a guaranteed audience, suffer just as much turnover as the locally owned shops downtown.

Just as retail outlets have to adjust, so do customers have to roll with the punches. But there’s a lesson for those consumers: If there’s a store you like, shop there — or it could soon be gone.